NMC response to DH report on the introduction of language controls for nurses and midwives who trained in the EU

Following today’s publication of the Department of Health’s post-consultation report on the introduction of language controls for nurses and midwives who trained in the EU, the NMC said:

“The NMC welcomes the publication of the Department of Health’s post-consultation report on the introduction of language controls for EU trained nurses and midwives. These new controls will enable us to seek evidence of the language competence of those who apply for registration with us as nurses or midwives.   

“EU applicants who cannot supply evidence of language competence as part of their application will be asked to take a language test before they are allowed to enter our register. This will therefore not be a blanket testing of all EU applicants, but is an approach that is both fair and that protects the public.

 “The introduction of this new system will be subject to our Council making rules and issuing guidance following a public consultation to be held later in 2015.”

-End-

Notes for editors

1.   The Nursing and Midwifery Council exists to protect the public. We do this by ensuring that only those who meet our requirements are allowed to practise as a nurse or midwife in the UK. We take action if concerns are raised about whether a nurse or midwife is fit to practise.

2.   For media enquiries, please contact the NMC media team at media@nmc-uk.org or on 020 7681 5949